World Immigration News

UK unveils citizenship-track visa for Hong Kong residents

Release Date
2026-04-17
Media
VisaHQ
Summary
The UK government launched a new immigration route for Hong Kong residents on April 16, 2026, separate from the BN(O) visa. It allows eligible HKSAR passport holders to live, work, and study in the UK for five years without employer sponsorship, after which they can apply for permanent residency and then citizenship one year later. The scheme expands access to younger Hongkongers who lack BN(O) status and reduces costs for employers.

While the route offers greater flexibility, challenges remain, including high living costs and housing shortages in major UK cities. China has criticized the program, but departures from Hong Kong continue. The UK expects up to 300,000 people to use this pathway over the next five years.
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United Kingdom

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